CBS, PBS Make Final Decision on Charlie Rose After Misconduct Allegations

On Monday, veteran news anchor Charlie Rose of CBS and PBS was accused by eight women of sexual harassment.

According to the women, Rose made unwanted sexual advances toward them. His behavior back in the 1990s and 2000s went as far as lewd phone calls, groping, and exposing himself to them.

In response, Rose released the following statement to the Washington Post:

“In my 45 years in journalism, I have prided myself on being an advocate for the careers of the women with whom I have worked. Nevertheless, in the past few days, claims have been made about my behavior toward some former female colleagues.

“It is essential that these women know I hear them and that I deeply apologize for my inappropriate behavior. I am greatly embarrassed. I have behaved insensitively at times, and I accept responsibility for that, though I do not believe that all of these allegations are accurate. I always felt that I was pursuing shared feelings, even though I now realize I was mistaken.

“I have learned a great deal as a result of these events, and I hope others will too. All of us, including me, are coming to a newer and deeper recognition of the pain caused by conduct in the past, and have come to a profound new respect for women and their lives.”

Now CBS has made a final decision about Rose’s employment. He’s fired. CBS News President David Rhodes released the following statement, according to Fox News:

“A short time ago we terminated Charlie Rose’s employment with CBS News, effective immediately, This followed the revelation yesterday of extremely disturbing and intolerable behavior said to have revolved around his PBS program.

“Despite Charlie’s important journalistic contribution to our news division, there is absolutely nothing more important, in this or any organization, than ensuring a safe, professional workplace — a supportive environment where people feel they can do their best work. We need to be such a place.

“I’ve often heard that things used to be different. And no one may be able to correct the past. But what may once have been accepted should not ever have been acceptable.

“CBS News has reported on extraordinary revelations at other media companies this year and last. Our credibility in that reporting requires credibility managing basic standards of behavior. That is why we have taken these actions.

“Let’s please remember our obligations to each other as colleagues. We will have human resources support today and every day, and we are organizing more personal and direct training which you will hear about from senior management shortly.

“I’m deeply disappointed and angry that people were victimized — and that even people not connected with these events could see their hard work undermined. If all of us commit to the best behavior and the best work — that is what we can be known for.”

Later on Tuesday, PBS also announced it was severing ties with Rose over the allegations, according to Entertainment Weekly.

“In light of yesterday’s revelations, PBS has terminated its relationship with Charlie Rose and canceled distribution of his programs. PBS expects all the producers we work with to provide a workplace where people feel safe and are treated with dignity and respect, PBS said.”